Canfield Local Schools
Social & Emotional Resource Library
At Canfield Local Schools, we are committed to educating the WHOLE child. We believe that social and emotional wellness is the foundation for academic learning, upon which happy, healthy futures are built. Our staff of masters-level licensed school counselors in collaboration with local mental health professionals and resources, hope to educate and support not just our current Cardinals but their families. It truly takes a village to inspire change, so we invite you to join us in breaking the stigma of mental health and start a new conversation at Canfield.
Break the Stigma - Mental Health IS HEALTH!
In the U.S., a significant portion of Americans are living with a diagnosable mental health condition—up to 20% by some estimates. Yet, many people experience internal resistance to seeking mental health care. In fact, recent research has shown that over half of those with mental illness never seek treatment.
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to seeking mental health care. “For some reason, people often have an expectation that they shouldn’t need help for a mental illness. Or, they think that needing help makes them weak,” says Dan Haycraft, MD, psychiatrist with Adventist Health St. Helena. “We often have a totally different mindset with mental health than with other physical illnesses. If a person has pneumonia, they’ll prioritize seeing a doctor. But if they’re feeling overwhelmed to the point where they can’t deal with life, people think they should be able to handle it alone.”
Dr. Haycraft stresses that to break this stigma, we need to understand that mental illnesses are biological conditions, just like other physical diseases or illnesses. “There’s a prevalent belief that if you have a mental illness, there’s a part of you that’s broken,” says Dr. Haycraft. “It’s important that people understand that mental illness is not about weakness or inability to cope.” Read more...
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared. Read more...
Compassion & Caring to Reduce Covid Stigma
COVID-19 continues to present new challenges, burdens, and consequences in our daily lives and that of young people. A sneeze or cough in a public setting may have once elicited a “bless you,” but nowadays it’s more likely to prompt heads turning with looks of disapproval. For people who have, or have had COVID, they may feel as if they contracted the plague, based on the way others treat them. They may experience feelings of isolation, depression, and abandonment. The stigma that surrounds this disease must end, not only for the physical health and mental wellbeing of those who have COVID, but in order to help bring an end to this pandemic in communities throughout our nation and world. Read more from the Prevention Action Alliance...
Are you concerned about your student's attendance, behavior and grades? Learn more about Canfield's Early Warning System and resources to help.
